How to Receive Mental Health Services

Contact the Access Team

The Access Team evaluates all requests for non-emergency services for anyone not currently receiving services from County Mental Health or community providers who are part of the mental health system. This team is comprised of bilingual senior mental health clinicians and psychiatrists who provide assessments and referrals to mental health services and who are trained to answer your questions. They will help you determine if you are eligible for our services.

How do I qualify to get mental health services?Based upon the results of an assessment with a licensed clinician on the Access Team, individuals and their families will be linked to the most appropriate services available.

Those individuals meeting the System of Care criteria (i.e., having a serious and persistent mental illness) are referred to one of several Coordinated Care Treatment Teams based in Santa Cruz or Watsonville.

Where do I go if I am having a crisis?If you, or someone you know, is at risk of harm to themselves or others and needs immediate help you should always call 911.

If you arehaving a crisis but not in imminent danger call the Access Team: (831) 454-4170 or (800) 952-2335 (24-hours a day)

What do I do if I have Medi-Cal?Medi-Cal beneficiaries are eligible for mental health services. Depending on the nature of the mental health condition, beneficiaries will be referred to County Mental Health Services, Beacon Health Services or a Community-based organization that provides mental health care.

Individuals who are in need of urgent care, but do not require team based coordinated care or are not Medi-Cal beneficiaries, may receive services at the Crisis Stabilization Program 24-hours a day/7 days a week. Typically these services are only provided when an individual is experiencing serious problems and without intervention would likely be hospitalized.

What do I do if I don't have Medi-CalVisit our Health Benefits page to find out about other financial benefit programs you might be eligible for.

Information

To receive mental health services you must first contact The Access Team. They will help you determine if you are eligible for our services.